Military modifies helicopter strategy, intends to modify certain HH-60W aircraft
The US Air Force is making significant changes to its helicopter fleet, with the HH-60W helicopters set to take on a new role in VIP transport around the National Capital region. This shift comes as the initially planned MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter appears to have been scaled back or replaced.
Congress has directed $210.3 million for the increased production of MH-139 helicopters, but the specifics of how this funding will be used for replacing the aging UH-1Ns are yet to be clarified. Meanwhile, the Air Force ended its procurement of the HH-60W helicopters in 2022, but the platform remains in production for foreign sales, as evident in the recent potential sale to Norway.
Despite the end of HH-60W procurement, the Air Force's 2026 budget includes a decision to modify 26 HH-60W helicopters for VIP transportation in Washington, D.C. The modified HH-60W helicopters will replace aging UH-1 Hueys currently operating out of Joint Base Andrews, Md.
The Air Force's 2026 budget request confirms funding is available to procure 100 HH-60W helicopters, including 11 test airframes. Congress has added funds for another 10 HH-60W helicopters in 2024 and four more in 2025, for a total of 89 production aircraft.
Regarding the MH-139 Grey Wolf, the 2026 budget and recent policy statements suggest it will no longer be used as the primary aircraft for National Capital Region VIP transport. The Air Force plans to buy just two MH-139s in fiscal 2026, but budget documents note plans to use $150 million in reconciliation funds regardless. The reduced buy of MH-139s means they will be used only for nuclear patrol missions, leaving the executive airlift mission uncovered.
The force structure and strategic basing decisions for the modified HH-60Ws have yet to be determined. The reduced buy of MH-139s and the repurposing of HH-60Ws suggests these helicopters will be repurposed away from their intended combat search and rescue mission. The specifics of the modifications needed to convert the HH-60W Jolly Green IIs into senior leader and executive airlift are not yet clear.
The Air Force spokesperson stated that the funds from Congress are "an enabler for the overall MH-139A-HH-60W plan." The Air Force's 2026 budget documents note plans to use supplemental funds for modifying 26 HH-60Ws, with $15.1 million in supplemental funds plus additional "discretionary" funds allocated for this purpose.
The backup inventory of aircraft includes 26 HH-60s, and pulling these from the backup inventory would leave 74 to accomplish the core mission of search and rescue, close to the curtailed program of record. It is unclear what modifications are needed to convert the HH-60Ws into senior leader and executive airlift, but the Air Force is moving forward with these changes.
- The reduced buy of MH-139s and the repurposing of HH-60Ws indicate a shift in aircraft usage from their initial combat search and rescue mission towards senior leader and executive airlift in the Air Force.
- The space force, which focuses on space activities, is detached from the ongoing changes in the air force's helicopter fleet, yet the aerospace industry and finance sector may have an impact on future acquisitions due to the funding requirements.
- In contrast, the upcoming budget for the space force involves the development of weapons for space security, ensuring the protection of satellites and other space assets for both the Air Force and the nation.
- The recent potential sale of HH-60W helicopters to Norway signifies the continued relevance of the aircraft industry in fostering international relationships, various sectors of which may invest in aircraft procurement for their respective military forces.
